MORE than 250 schoolchildren across the East End took part in a celebratory ‘booknic’ to mark ten years of an innovative reading project.

The event was held by Glasgow Fort in Easterhouse, in partnership with the National Literacy Trust. Children from Wellshot Primary School, Our Lady of Peace Primary School and Maria Goretti Primary School took part where they enjoyed a picnic and were able to take home a book of their choice.

It forms part of Fort owners British Land and National Literacy Trust drive to encourage children to read outside of the classroom.

The booknic marked ten years of the partnership which has seen over 2,500 children attend similar events and 7,500 books given out across the city.

Glasgow Fort has also donated over 550 books to local foodbanks and charities throughout the pandemic.

Phil Goodman, centre director at Glasgow Fort, said: “Supporting our community is so important to us and the Young Readers Programme plays a massive part in that. It’s a brilliant initiative which we look forward to every year and it’s great to see the children celebrating at our booknic event.

“Thanks also needs to go to the National Literacy Trust for their hard work on this event and over the years. They’ve helped us to ensure that the additional support and books go to those who need them most.”

Jonathan Douglas CBE, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “Encouraging children to develop a love of reading from a young age can have a tangible impact on their literacy skills, mental wellbeing and futures. Yet hundreds of thousands of children across the UK are missing out on these benefits simply because they don’t have a book of their own to read at home.

“The Young Readers Programme, with support from British Land, tackles this and we’d like to thank them for all their support over the years.”